A Limpopo police sergeant is alleged to have shot and killed a 32-year-old man, raped a 14-year-old girl and later fatally shot himself at his home in Sekhukhune.
The incidents happened on Sunday in Ga-Masha, in the Tubatse policing area.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), police were alerted to a shooting in Ga-Mashamothane at about 3.30pm.
Officers who arrived at the scene found the 32-year-old man lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
He was certified dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.
SAPS said preliminary information suggested that the victim and a police sergeant stationed at Mecklenburg SAPS had encountered each other while driving along a narrow road.
A dispute allegedly broke out between the two men.
The sergeant allegedly shot the man with his service firearm before leaving the scene.
He allegedly then drove to his residence with a 14-year-old girl who had been accompanying him.
According to SAPS, the girl was allegedly raped at the residence.
Shortly afterwards, the sergeant allegedly took his service firearm and shot himself.
He died from his injuries.
Police in Tubatse under the Sekhukhune District have opened cases of murder and rape, as well as an inquest.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will handle the further investigation.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident.
“Police officers are entrusted with firearms and are expected to uphold and enforce the law,” Scheepers said.
“Where a member is alleged to have acted contrary to the law, the circumstances must be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate processes must follow.”
Scheepers extended condolences to the family of the deceased and said the 14-year-old girl would receive the necessary support.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents are continuing.
